Neo4j Management, Optimization, and Refactoring Workshop ›Query Performance
Query Good Practice

Neo4j Management, Optimization, and Refactoring Workshop

Setup Neo4j Aura

Aura Administration

Query Performance

Graph refactoring

Query Good Practice

Introduction

In the following lessons you will learn some of the common best practices for writing efficient Cypher queries including:

  • Use of indexes

  • Anchor nodes

  • Count stores

  • Using WITH to break down complex queries

  • Reading properties late

Query Optimization Checklist

When analyzing slow queries, check for these common issues:

  • Node labels are specified - Use MATCH (u:User) instead of MATCH (u) to avoid scanning all nodes

  • Properties have indexes - Create indexes on properties used in WHERE clauses and lookups

  • Relationship types are specified - Always provide relationship types to narrow traversals

  • Relationship directions are specified - Always specify the direction of the relationship when it is known

  • Queries use parameters - Replace literal values with $parameter to enable plan caching

  • Return only needed properties - Use RETURN u.name, m.title instead of RETURN u, m to reduce data transfer

  • Result sets are limited - Add LIMIT clauses to prevent returning excessive data

  • Variable length paths have upper limits - Use [*1..5] instead of [*] to prevent excessive traversals

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, you learned …​

In the next lesson, you will …​

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